13 Guinea Pig Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Although guinea pigs are popular pets, some people don’t realize how many species are available. In fact, there are 13 guinea pig breeds.

Not all 13  are commonly kept as pets, and you may not have seen some of the animals mentioned on this list. Still, if you’d like to be introduced to every type of guinea pig, the following is ideal. It can help you determine which species is perfect for your home.

The 13 Types of Guinea Pig Breeds

1. Abyssinian Guinea Pig

We don’t know where the Abyssinian gets their name. You’d think it would mean that the breed originally came from Ethiopia, but that doesn’t seem to be true. Whatever the reason for their name, Abyssinians are known for having “rosettes,” or cowlicks, all over their fur, giving them a perpetual case of bedhead. Keeping an Abyssinian can be rewarding for experienced owners, but the breed’s excitable nature makes them a poor fit for first-time owners.

2. American Guinea Pig

The American is the most commonly owned type of guinea pig, and they come in 19 color classifications. Their coats are short and silky (and much more manageable than the Abyssinians’ coats).

These guinea pigs are adorable and docile, which explains their popularity. If you’re just starting out as an owner, the American is an excellent breed to adopt.

3. Peruvian Guinea Pig

Peruvians have long, wavy hair. The hair can grow up to 2 feet long, so you’ll need to spend a lot of time grooming it and cutting it as necessary. Peruvians are alert and inquisitive pets but can become affectionate once they learn to trust you.

4. Sheltie/Silkie Guinea Pig

Like Peruvians, Shelties have long hair, except theirs only grows backward. As a result, they are challenging to groom, so they’re not ideal for anyone wanting a low-maintenance pet. However, they’re also generally considered the most gentle and easygoing of all the guinea pigs, making them an excellent option for families with small children.

5. Sheba Guinea Pig

Shebas take the crown for best facial hair. Their long muttonchops frame their faces, and their hair often hides their eyes. However, unlike some of the other long-haired breeds on this list, their fur grows slowly and requires little maintenance.

Shebas originated in Australia and are believed to be a mix of the Abyssinian and Peruvian. However, they’re generally not recognized by official boards like the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

6. Coronet Guinea Pig

Coronets have long, flowing manes that grow backward down their bodies. They are sweet and lovable, and they constantly demand attention from their owners (which gives you plenty of opportunities to groom their fur).

7. Lunkarya Guinea Pig

This Swedish breed boasts a long, curly coat that gives them a mop-like appearance. Lunkaryas, or “Lunks,” include three variations: Lunkarya Peruvians, Lunkarya Shelties, and Lunkarya Coronets.

These guineas aren’t normally found outside of Sweden and, due to their thick hair, fare poorly in warmer climates.

8. Rex Guinea Pig

The Rex looks more like a chinchilla than a guinea pig. They have short, wool-like fur that’s much easier to manage than some of the long-haired breeds. The Rex enjoys being handled, but it’s best to resist the urge to squeeze them too tightly.

9. Baldwin Guinea Pig

The Baldwin is born with a full head of hair, but they gradually shed it over time until just a few whiskers on their face remain. That makes them very easy to groom, but it also gives them the appearance of a tiny hippopotamus.

They need help staying warm, as they don’t have much natural insulation, but they should also be kept out of direct sunlight. All in all, the Baldwin is probably best left to experienced guinea pig owners only.

10. Alpaca Guinea Pig

The Alpaca’s fur isn’t long, but it’s dense and coarse. You’ll need to brush it every day and de-tangle it regularly. Alpacas require as much grooming as long-haired breeds like the Peruvian.

They can live up to 8 years, giving you lots of time with your pet, but you’ll spend a considerable amount of your life brushing them.

11. Texel Guinea Pig

Texels are a mix between Shelties and Rexes, and they have dense, matted fur that can be a beast to maintain. Tangles are common, so expect to carve out time every day to brush out their coat.

Texels are known for their dominance as show guinea pigs, but they’re less commonly kept as pets.

12. Teddy Guinea Pig

The Teddy resembles a teddy bear, and they are incredibly loving and playful. They have short coats that only require periodic maintenance, and they are friendly with other guinea pigs.

13. Skinny Guinea Pig

Another hairless variety, the Skinny has a few tufts of fur on their back and face. Their exposed skin makes them more vulnerable since they can’t handle extreme temperatures, and they’re very prone to cuts and skin infections.

You’ll save time on grooming but must ensure they don’t get too hot or cold in their habitat.

Which Guinea Pig Breed Is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a new pet, a guinea pig makes an excellent choice—but which of the 13 breeds should you choose? They’re all fantastic animals, and many have distinctive looks and behaviors, so ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Still, it’s hard to resist bringing home a Baldwin and telling your kids you bought them a baby hippo, isn’t it?

See also: 

• 7 Guinea Pig Photography Tips for Perfect Pet Portraits
• 8 Small Rodents That Make Great Pets (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: krithnarong Raknagn, Shutterstock